Department of Philosophy
University of Western Ontario
Philosophy 154E (001)
Topics for the First Assignment
Write a 1000 word paper on one, and only one, of the topics below. Make sure you follow the instructions also provided below (and elsewhere). This first assignment is due on October 16th.

This first assignment is largely exegetical (i.e. has to do with the careful interpretation of the text(s)). There is little room in this assignment for critical evaluation of the position you are explaining/examining … this will come later. This does not mean you don't need to defend your interpretative claims/judgments!

1. What is Brahman, and why is there an emphasis on Nirguna Brahman in the Upanishads?

2. Explain ‘the’ view of Atman proffered in the Upanishads.

3. What view of the self (uppercase ‘S’ and lowercase ‘s’) does Krishna offer Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita?

4. How are we to live a moral life according to the Bhagavad Gita?

5. How is the goal of moksha consistent with artha and kama (i.e. two of the other purusharthas)?

6. How would Ishvarakrishna understand/interpret the practice of Yoga? Is there a problem here for the Yoga practitioner?

Instructions
1. This is an exercise in brevity and precision. Do not waste space on flowery introductions or digressions (e.g. facts about the philosopher’s biography). All I need to see in an introduction is a ‘map’ of the paper.

2. Take care in your choice of words. Do not unfairly portray the position of the philosopher or texts on whom or which you are focusing. Do not say anything false about the philosopher’s point of view, or the position advocated by the text.

3. Do not make claims you do not (adequately) defend (even when they are claims of interpretation!) Provide arguments for your conclusions (or statements/claims). Your arguments should show the reasonableness of the relevant conclusions (or statements/claims). Remember the ARG criteria for argument evaluation: Are your reasons or premises Acceptable (true or probably true [if in doubt defend them!]), Relevant (pertain to the truth or falsity of your conclusion [or statement/claim]), and do they (adequately) Ground (or support) your conclusion (or statement/claim)?

4. Your paper should demonstrate your knowledge of the relevant topic. Take care to avoid using direct quotes (you should not use more than one direct quote). When using sources for your ideas other than yourself, put them into your own words (remember, however, to properly footnote them).

5. Keep your discussion focused. Stick to your chosen topic. Do not try to cover too much material in your discussion. Only move on to another point when you have adequately discussed the previous one.

6. Avoid clearly fallacious reasoning. I.e. in defending your position: Do not appeal to questionable (or controversial authorities); Avoid mere appeals to the popularity of a belief; Avoid circular arguments; Avoid ad hominems (or mere character attacks/assassinations); Avoid Red Herrings (or irrelevancies); Do not equivocate; Do not make hasty generalizations (or unfounded broad-sweeping generalizations); Avoid non sequiturs (concluding something that does not follow from what you have provided as evidence); Don't contradict yourself.

7. In grading your assignment I am limited to what you clearly communicate in the course of your discussion. Make sure you provide clear statements and defending arguments.

8. Make sure to include footnotes and a bibliography. You can follow whatever manual of style you wish, but you must be consistent and include all the relevant information in your citations and bibliography. Be forewarned, you will not get a good grade for an assignment that does not contain adequate citations.

9. Take care to avoid spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. I will deduct marks for such errors if they interfere with the clarity or accuracy of your assignment.

Writing a good philosophy paper is an acquired skill. If you need help in writing your assignments I do recommend utilizing the Effective Writing Program at the Student Development Centre (UCC 210).